We are pleased to announce the full agenda for the Texas Statewide Motorcycle Safety Forum to be held on Saturday February 23, 2019. The location will be in beautiful Kerrville, Texas, with some of the best riding routes in the state.

We normally talk about how motorcycles cause injuries and fatalities. Our keynote speaker, Krystal Hess – Founder of Motorcycle Missions, will help us understand how motorcycles and motorcycling are being used as tools to help improve our safety, particularly for veterans suffering from PTSD.

The agenda also features experts to discuss national, state, and local motorcycle safety issues that are relevant to all riders. It is a very exciting Forum this year. There is still time to register.

Look Before a Left, the Right Way

Most motorcycle-vehicle crashes happen when a driver turns left in front of the rider. Drivers often don’t see the rider, or if they do, they misjudge the rider’s speed or distance. Motorcycles can move fast and are often hard to spot. When turning left, especially at intersections, always double-check the cross traffic.

Share the Road

It’s true that a motorcycle takes up less space in the lane. But remember, whether passing a motorcycle or following one in your lane, the rider requires the same amount of reaction time you do. Give a motorcycle the same space you’d give any other vehicle. Don’t tailgate — give motorcycles a four-second following distance.

Avoid Riders in Your Blind Spot

Motorcycles present a narrow profile, and they can wind up in your blind spot in a hurry. Being aware of your surroundings—and all the vehicles around you—will improve safety for everyone on the road.

The goal of the Texas Motorcycle Safety Coalition (TMSC) is to reduce the number of crashes involving motorcycles and deaths and injuries resulting from these crashes. To accomplish this goal, the coalition meets four times a year. Upcoming meetings are scheduled for:

Thursday, April 25, 2019Thursday, June 27, 2019Thursday, August 29, 2019

The TMSC serves as a public forum for addressing strategies to improve motorcycle safety; discusses effective programs, regulations, and other opportunities to improve motorcycle safety; reviews, proposes, and makes recommendations concerning motorcycle-related legislation; and serves to promote rider safety and inform the public about being aware of motorcycles and sharing the road safely.

Maybe you’re thinking about taking on the open road on two or three wheels and need to get your Class M license. Learn more about how to get your Class M license on the Texas DPS website.

Or perhaps you already have your Class M license and need to brush up on some safety tips. An advanced rider course might be for you. Find a training location near you. This could also be the year you decide to get a new helmet or other protective riding gear.

If you’re a driver maybe your resolution could be looking twice for motorcycles. Most motorcycle-vehicle crashes happen when a driver turns left in front of the rider. Drivers often don’t see the rider, or if they do, they misjudge the rider’s speed or distance. Motorcycles can move fast and are often hard to spot. When turning left, especially at intersections, always double-check the cross traffic.